Gardner Gets State Prison for Striking Another Woman with Beer Bottle

CLEARFIELD – A Houtzdale woman accused of striking another woman in the face with a beer bottle was sentenced in Clearfield County Court.

Sabrina Gardner, 23, 4119 Morann Ave., Houtzdale, had been charged with two counts of aggravated assault, simple assault and recklessly endangering another person as a result of an incident Aug. 18, 2012 in Gulich Township. She was found not guilty of aggravated assault after a trial in April, but guilty of simple assault, recklessly endangering another person and harassment.

According to testimony, the victim lost two front teeth, had to have stitches in her lip and her cornea was cut.

Clearfield County President Judge Fredric J. Ammerman sentenced Gardner to 12 months to two years in state prison. She was fined $3 plus costs and must pay restitution totaling more than $3,700.

Gardner’s probation on a previous burglary charge was also revoked. For this she was sentenced to three months to two years in state prison. This sentence will run consecutive to her new sentence, giving her a total of 15 months to four years in prison.

Prior to sentencing, the victim addressed the court reading from a prepared statement.

“I can recall every detail, all the pain and every tear shed that night,” she said. Her injuries put her life on hold and everything “I was working for was being pushed away.” She also questioned what she had done to deserve this.

“I may look alright, but when I look in the mirror I don’t see the person I used to be,” she explained.

Ron Collins, attorney for Gardner, stated that Gardner feels really bad about what happened and she wanted to apologize.

Gardner then addressed the court, saying she has wanted to apologize for a long time but was not permitted to contact the victim. Gardner commented that she didn’t realize how alcohol could change a person’s thinking and life. She said she has taken classes while in jail so she won’t make the same mistake again. She added that she prays for forgiveness.

Ammerman also commented that this case was a perfect example of making a snap decision that can negatively affect someone. He said before he decided on the sentence, he considered her previous probation violations and her juvenile record.

Testimony during the trial came from the victim’s dentist and family physician. She had implants to replace her two front teeth and she suffered a permanent visual impairment. Her left globe ruptured and the outer integrity of her eye was damaged by the shattered bottle. Her pupil is now irregularly shaped and will stay that way, her doctor said.

The victim testified that light bothers her eye forcing her to wear sunglasses when she leaves her home. Night driving is also a problem because of the lights from passing cars. She now wears glasses when previous to this, she only needed reading glasses.

Other testimony revealed that both women were drawn into an argument between other people. As the victim walked away, Gardner screamed something at her. When the victim turned, she was hit by the bottle, which shattered, covering her in glass.